Bhutan in March: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for March
Average temperature across Bhutan in March.
City Weather in March
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thimphu | 17° | 4° | 30 mm | very high | Cool |
| Phuntsholing | 29° | 18° | 69 mm | high | Mild |
| Punakha | 23° | 9° | 44 mm | very high | Cool |
| Pemagatsel | 22° | 12° | 68 mm | high | Cool |
| Paro, Bhutan | 18° | 5° | 38 mm | very high | Cool |
| Sarpang | 28° | 17° | 61 mm | high | Mild |
| Gelephu | 29° | 18° | 69 mm | high | Mild |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Southern Plains (Samtse, Sarpang, Phuentsholing)
Late March in the plains feels distinctly warmer and muggy, especially in Sarpang where palms and rice paddies are turning green; temperatures often rise into the high 20s°C. Pre-monsoon showers can begin by month’s end, and you may notice increasing insect buzz at dusk - mosquito repellent becomes useful. If you’re passing through to Punakha or further north for Paro Tshechu, the southern crossing towns are convenient staging points with plenty of taxis and guesthouses.
Western Valleys (Paro, Thimphu, Haa)
Spring’s first warmth arrives in March: valleys flush with early rhododendron buds and Paro Tshechu commonly falls in this month, filling monasteries with locals in festival dress. Daytime temperatures climb into the low teens to high teens °C and trekking approaches become firmer and drier; alpine wildflowers begin to appear on trails to Tiger’s Nest. Travelers should bring a mix of light and warm layers-sunny afternoons are pleasant but mornings remain sharp.
Central Highlands (Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Bumthang)
March usually ushers in blossoming rhododendrons and apricot blooms across Bumthang’s floor and valley slopes-daytime temperatures climb into the mid-teens °C and trekking routes regain their spring grip. Punakha’s lower elevation feels almost balmy by afternoon, perfect for riverside walks to the suspension bridge. Travelers find cultural visits popular now, with festival season peaking; pack layers because mornings and evenings remain brisk.
Eastern Hills (Trashigang, Mongar, Trashiyangtse)
March brings an early thaw and blossom-time in many eastern valleys; daytime warmth increases and the landscape begins to green, ideal for scenic drives along the Kuri Chhu in Bumthang-adjacent zones. Monsoon clouds are still far off, so the roads are good for extended travel and photography. Pack lightweight layers for daytime warmth and a warm fleece for chilly nights in guesthouses.
High Himalaya / Northern Alpine Zone (Gasa, Laya, Lunana, high passes)
March brings slow thawing on lower alpine heights, but high passes still hold deep snow and blizzards are possible; daytime temperatures at base-camp altitudes can be around 0-5°C while nights are well below freezing. Local guides begin assessing snow-melt conditions for spring treks; this is when logistics start to ramp up for expeditions. Acclimatization in Gasa or Layaps settlements is safer in lower-elevation lodges rather than pushing high routes early.